Boiler-flue cleaner



(Mede-1.)

R. P. GERLACH.

BILER FLU'E CLEANER.

Patented June 5, 1883.

SMN www.

Wimsejg. .9% 0% UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RUDOLPH P. eEELAoH, oF CLEVELAND, oIIIo.

BOILER-FLUE CLEANER.

278,699, dated June 5, 188e.

Application filed March 12, 1883. (Model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, RUDOLPH P. GE'ELACII, of Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and Improved Boiler-Flue Cleaner 5 and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and complete description thereof.

This invention relates to a boiler-flue clean'- er, and is of the class using steam for that purpose, the nature of which consists in constructing the cleaner with a spiral tubular shank connected with a conical head, the bore in the shank being preferably tapering longitudinally from the induction to the eduction end at-the head. The bore is also of an 'oblong curved form transversely, causing the steam to pass with greater force through' the cleaner and into the tube in an unbroken column, retaining its spiral course through the flues, thereby cleaning -them more effectually than in the usual manner.

The invention is more fully described in the following specification, reference being had to the annexed drawings,V making part of the same, which may be referred to for a full and complete understanding of the said invention.

I am aware that tube-cleaners of a spiral form have been used, and I am also advised that various devices for the purpose of the injection of steam in a spiral or whirling course through the flues has been known; but they do not attain the desired results, because of complicated construction, in the use of which the column of steam is divided or broken up, and its greater force being spent before reaching the flues. The ilues therefore are but imperfectly cleaned. Such constructions are materially different from the improvement herein set forth.

Figure l is a side view of said improved cleaner. Fig. 2 is a top view; and Fig. 3 is a' transverse section in direction of the line x .fc in Fig. l, showing the under side of the head.

Like letters of reference refer to like parts in the several views.

The shank A terminates in the head B at one end, the other end being provided with a screw in the induction-opening C, Fig. l, to which is attached a steam-conducting pipe. The head is slightly rounded or is of a conical form with a curved eduction-opening, D, Figs. 1 and 2. This opening partakes of the spiralformed opening or passage E, which extends through the interior of the shank from the induction at the collar F to the outlet at D without division or obstruction in the passage.

The general form of this passage or throat E is seen in Fig. 3, which shows it in a transverse direction in the line x x. This passage preferably slightly decreases in its area from Fto D, which causes the steam to pass through the opening D with more force and energy than by means heretofore employed for this purpose, and at the same time the current of steam also becomes eifectually spiral and whirling as it issues from the opening in the head, and in passing through the flue exerts a sweeping force, which completely cleans out the obstructions therein.

The general form of the shank A partakes of the spiral course of the throat E, as seen in the drawings, which is somewhat augershaped. The under side of the head B is concave to correspond with the outside of the head, the thickness of which is indicated at G, Fig. 3, which may be more or less, according to the size of the cleaner. By means of the conical form of the head, as shown, it is applicable to ilues of several sizes.

The head and shank are preferably cast in one piece, with a core to form the throat or passage for the steam.

The steam-passage through the cleaner may be of uniform area or size, though the tapering form is preferred, as herein shown.

Steam is conveyed to the cleaner in the usual way from the boiler by means of a pipe-connection at C, as stated.

What I claim as my Invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

In flue-cleaners, the shank A and head B, said shank and head being of one piece, and provided with a flattened wide spiral uninterrupted steam-passage extending from the induction end of the implement through to the eduction end thereof, substantially as herein.

set forth, and for the purpose specied.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of `two witnesses.

RUDOLPH P. GEB-LACH.

Witnesses:

W. H. BUREIDGE, J. H. BUEEIDGE. 

